Relation Between HbA1c and Lipid Profile Among Prediabetics, Diabetics, and Non-diabetics: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Analysis

Introduction: An unusually high blood glucose level is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, with an imbalance between insulin levels and insulin sensitivity leading to an insulin functional deficit. Since it serves as both a risk indicator and a gauge of long-term glycemic control, the HbA1c concentration is a crucial component of standard diabetes treatment. The use of the HbA1c concentration in the diagnosis of diabetes is expanding as the test's accuracy increases. Dyslipidemic profiles can appear before type 2 diabetes manifests itself and are independent risk factors for the disease. Additionally, dyslipidemia, especially in diabetics, might affect pancreatic beta-cell survival and activity. This study was undertaken with the aim to find out any correlation between HbA1c and lipid profile among diabetics, prediabetics, and non-diabetics. Methods: A total of 1,000 individuals with age 18-60 years were included in the study (non-diabetics = 186, prediabetics = 238, diabetics = 576). HbA1c was estimated by capillary electrophoresis and a lipid profile was done using a fully automatic chemistry analyzer. Result: Diabetes was found to be significantly associated with dyslipidemia. In diabetics, a statistically significant increase in the level of triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) was seen as compared to prediabetics. Diabetic women were found to be significantly more dyslipidemic as compared to diabetic males. The mean HbA1c among diabetics was found to be 8.3. Conclusion: In hyperglycemia-induced dyslipidemia, raised triglyceride and VLDL were the most common findings, and combined lipid abnormalities were more commonly seen as compared to a single abnormality in the lipid profile. Patients with poor glycemic control more commonly develop dyslipidemia, which may be a reason for an increased incidence of cardiovascular catastrophes in such patients.